Do you believe we will have a church picnic in Heaven? I do! But, it will be more like a feast. Jesus said in Matthew 8:11 Many people will come from everywhere to enjoy the feast in the kingdom of heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Luke14:15 says "Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!" And Psalm 23:5, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows."

These promises in scripture give us glorious hope in the life to come and in this present time as well. Do you enjoy being with other Christians in worship and fellowship at GBC? I do! Although I treasure my quiet times with the Lord at home, I can't wait to get to church to worship corporately with other Believers! This unity is so vital to our spiritual growth as individuals & as the body of Christ. We learn so much from each other as well as from God's word. Often times, we need another Christian to help us understand His word.

I am so thankful for all the wonderful Bible Studies offered at GBC and am especially grateful for a summertime Study once again! Recently, my Bible Study, The Shelter of God's Promises, ended and I continue to remind myself of His promises -- His greatest being Jesus! He promises us provision, peace, confidence, love, grace, hope, strength, more, and home. We can remember these when we need something to hold on to, when we're afraid and feel alone, when we have failed, when we are broken and feel things are crashing around us. We know there's something better and that we have a future.

I'm so thankful that our church provides so many opportunities to gather as a family for we need each other and the closer we grow in our relationship to God through Jesus Christ, the closer we grow in our relationships to one another. Isn't it wonderful how God allows that to happen? What a blessing!

Let's count our blessings and live a life of obedience and thanksgiving! Let's ask ourselves before we speak: Is it necessary, is it true, is it kind, and does it honor Christ? Be in prayer for unity and revival in our church, community & nation! Revival starts in our hearts!